I would like to hear any answers too as I am about to do the same thing to
my '79.
Reid
'79 Spitfire
-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Hestand [mailto:hestand@ultranet.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 1999 10:10 PM
To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Draining/restoring Spitfire Tank
Hi all,
This seems incredibly stupid, but I'm having questions about draining a gas
tank...
I'm beginning restoration on an '80 Spit that's been sitting with a half
tank of gas for 15 years so it
seems like a good idea to drain the tank and flush it out.
The Bentley manual says "siphon tank". When I pulled the filler off the
tank to put a
siphon hose in I hit a stop point higher than the apparent bottom of the
tank. I siphoned off
what I could get. Looking inside the filler neck I see an inverted cone
with a pool
the diameter of a dime at the bottom. The sides of the cone are lined with
rust.
Q1) What's with the inverted cone? Is this natural or one spooky rust out?
Q2) Is there a need, and a method, to get more gas out before attempting
tank removal?
I only took out a gallon or so, and the gauge has always read empty but
does it work?
I could try something like tapping a line to the output side of the
mechanical fuel pump
and cranking the engine (pull coil wire first) to push fuel out but this
seems sub-optimal.
Q3) I've seens solutions for DIY gas tank cleaning/restoring. Is this a
reasonable DIY or
better off to pay to have it done? The chemicals don't seem to run
around $70, what's
the cost to have it done (and not have to deal with the chemical
mess/disposal yourself).
The tank doesn't appear as if it will need any welding/brazing.
Input would be very much appreciated.
Bruce Hestand
'80 Spitfire - Chelmsford, Ma.
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